In the late 1990's Dr. James L. Wilson coined the term "adrenal fatigue" to refer to a group of symptoms that people experience due to low adrenal function. This lack of optimal adrenal performance often goes along with the effects of stress on the body. Adrenal fatigue is a condition that responds well to nutritional supplementation and lifestyle changes.
Adrenal Glands
These two small glands which sit atop the kidneys are primarily in charge of activating your "fight or flight" response and pumping adrenaline and cortisol into your bloodstream. Another job is to balance more than 50 hormones in the body having an impact on your health and energy level. It is especially important for women approaching menopause to support the adrenal glands so they can better regulate hormonal changes.
Symtoms of Adrenal Fatigue
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include mild depression, muscle weakness, absent mindedness, decreased sex drive, salt cravings, increased PMS, perimenopausal, or menopausal symptoms under stress, decreased ability to handle stress and salt cravings. Usually there is a typical energy pattern. Patients are usually tired in the morning, not feeling awake until 10 a.m., and finally feeling totally awake after your noon meal. You feel low in the afternoon between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., feel better after 6 p.m., and are usually tired after 9 and in bed by 11 p.m.
Supplements
Project Aware recommends the following supplements for adrenal fatigue: Vitamin C, 2,000 to 4,000 mg/day of sustained release; vitamin E with mixed tocopherols, 800 IU/day; vitamin B-complex; niacin, 125 to 150 mg/day; B-6, 150 mg/day; pantothenic acid, 1200 to1500 mg/day; magnesium citrate, 400 to 1200 mg/day; liquid trace minerals zinc, manganese, selenium, chromium, molybdenum, copper and iodine; and SAM-e, 200 mg/day, and 500 mg/day of DL-Phenylalanine, if depression is present.
Nutritional Support
A diet for adrenal fatigue should emphasize whole grains with protein and oils in the form of nuts and seeds at most meals. Patients should eat regularly and chew food well. There should be an emphasis on vegetables. It is beneficial to some people to add salt to the diet, especially upon rising and a half-hour before their lowest energy point of the day. One-eight to one-half teaspoon of sea salt can be added to a glass of water. Most adrenal fatigue patients have low blood pressure. It is important to avoid hydrogenated fats, caffeine, chocolate, white carbohydrates and junk foods.
